Those who spend even a brief amount of time with Ann McGee-Cooper or any of her Partners usually learn that generous giving is a core component of AMCA, Inc.’s Culture. I also know, however, that a small yet well-connected firm like AMCA, Inc. likely simply receives more charitable requests than can be accommodated. Nonetheless, I decided to apply a tad of persuasion (and perhaps a threat or two of arrest) and requested consideration for AMCA sponsorship of the 2012 Coppell Police Motorcycle Rodeo.
The sole benefactor of the rodeo is MetroplexCOPS, an organization that supports the family members of fallen police officers. When we lose a police officer the community outpouring is incredible and heartwarming, but naturally it cannot go on forever. After the community grieves and moves on, COPS is there to make sure the family members of the fallen officer are not forgotten. I never had a chance to fill in these details with the Partners of AMCA, Inc. as they promptly forwarded their sponsorship and support before I could finish. Ann and Andrea even visited the event and although I think Ann cringed a bit about the carbon emissions created by over fifty police motorcycles zooming around for four days, I know she forgave us because of the important cause!
Although there are countless police officers and volunteers who pour their passion into this event and the cause it supports, Sergeant Kirk Smith and Officer Josh Jackson would like you to know a little more. And if you were to meet Josh in person he would be quick to remind you that it is never too early to plan your 2013 sponsorship (never mind that ticket book in his hand, that’s just coincidental).
-Matt Kosec, Deputy Chief of Police, Coppell Police Department
Coppell Officer Casey Sessions riding the course
In 2009, the Coppell Police Motorcycle Unit wanted to pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifices of two Coppell Officers. Those officers were Officer Donald Swearingin (http://www.odmp.org/officer/13042-police-officer-donald-wayne-swearingin) and Officer Michael Johns (http://www.odmp.org/officer/15892-police-officer-michael-johns). The unit decided to honor their memories with a memorial wall. The unit was approved to host the First Annual Coppell Police Motorcycle Competition and began fundraising and contacting departments. Through their efforts, they found local citizens, business owners, and officers that donated their time, money, and efforts. Today, the wall stands in honor of those fallen officers in the front of the Coppell Justice Center, located at 130 Town Center Blvd. The rodeo hosted twenty five officers and hundreds of spectators. Because of the success of the rodeo, the motor unit was encouraged to continue the tradition.
In 2010, the rodeo hosted thirty five officers from as far away as California. They also chose to support MetroplexCOPS.org as the benefactor. With the efforts of the Coppell police motorcycle unit and the generous donations of citizens, business owners, families and friends, they were able to raise and donate $12,000.
In 2011, they hosted their third annual rodeo with an attendance of forty five officers and thousands of spectators. They were also able to raise $14,000 for MetroplexCOPS.org.
The 2012 rodeo was by far the largest rodeo with an estimated attendance of 3,000 to 4,000 spectators. There were 54 registered riders from Kansas to Beaumont and it was held at Wagon Wheel Park, 345 Freeport, Coppell, Texas. For the third year, the Coppell Motor Division decided to support MetroplexCOPS.org and with great honor, they donated $20,000.
MetroplexCOPS is a subchapter of the national COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors). MetroplexCOPS is run by surviving spouses, parents, siblings, coworkers and children. They are all volunteers that know the sacrifice their loved one made for people they may or may not have ever known. While no agency hopes to call on the services of MetroplexCOPS, it is comforting to know that they are there for the families of our officers in their darkest moments.
The Coppell Motor Division is already planning the 2013 rodeo and hopes to have a new date announced sometime this summer. We have truly enjoyed meeting all the citizens, business owners, and riders and look forward to next year. While we would like to thank all the businesses and citizens that have supported our rodeo, we will instead refer you to our website www.coppellmotorrodeo.com. At the website you will find a list of sponsors as well as a hyperlink to their websites. Thank you for your support and interest and please contact Officer Josh Jackson (214-542-5669 and jjackson@coppelltx.gov) for more details.
-Sergeant Kirk Smith and Officer Josh Jackson, Coppell Police Department
“What Ann does so beautifully is facilitate all our different styles to merge together as we create and struggle to reach our visions. The art in Ann’s involvement is the permanence of the change that results.”